Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A communication system, comprising: an estimating system that includes: an estimator interface, the estimator interface providing a communication device with information related to a description of materials and services required to complete a work item of a plurality of work items and further receiving, from the communication device, attributes associated with the description of materials and services required to complete the work item; and an estimate attribute builder that receives the attributes associated with the description of materials and services required to complete the work item and creates estimate attributes for the description of materials and services required to complete the work item; and a matching system that includes: a contractor interface, the contractor interface providing a plurality of contractor communication devices with information related to the plurality of work items and further receiving, from the plurality of communication devices, a plurality of contractor's pricings for the plurality of work items on an averaged basis, wherein each of the contractor's pricings for the plurality of work items is updateable at any time by each of the plurality of communication devices, wherein each of the plurality of contractor's pricing for the plurality of work items comprises an estimated cost of material and an estimated cost of labor; an attribute translation engine that translates the attributes associated with the description of materials and services required to complete the work item to an averaged price that is capable of being compared with the plurality of contractor's pricing for the plurality of work items; a matching engine that compares the translated estimate attributes with the plurality of contractor's pricing for the plurality of work items to determine one or more contractors of the plurality of contractors qualifies to perform the work item by determining the one or more contractors meet a performance requirement and a price requirement based on the received plurality of contractor's pricings, wherein the plurality of contractor's pricings were received prior to the creation of the attributes associated with the description of materials and services required to complete the work item, wherein the attribute translation engine enables the matching engine to analyze the work item and determine that the work item qualifies for an automatic contractor match, and wherein the matching engine is configured to prioritize the one or more contractors for the work item based on each contractor's pricing received via the contractor interface, wherein the matching system automatically generates a match report including a list of the one or more contractors based on the prioritization; and a messaging engine that notifies at least one of the one or more contractors about the determination that the one or more contractors qualifies to perform the work item and automatically transmits the match report to the communication device in response to the received attributes associated with the description of materials and services required to complete the work item.
This invention relates to communication systems for managing work items and contractor selection. The problem addressed is efficiently matching work items with qualified contractors based on material and service requirements and pricing. The system includes an estimating system and a matching system. The estimating system has an estimator interface that provides a communication device with details of materials and services needed for a work item and receives attributes related to these requirements from the communication device. An estimate attribute builder then uses these received attributes to create estimate attributes for the work item. The matching system features a contractor interface that provides multiple contractor communication devices with information about work items and receives averaged contractor pricings for these work items. These pricings are updateable and include estimated material and labor costs. An attribute translation engine converts the work item's estimate attributes into an averaged price comparable to contractor pricings. A matching engine compares these translated attributes with contractor pricings to identify qualified contractors based on performance and price requirements. Notably, contractor pricings are received before the work item attributes are created. The attribute translation engine allows the matching engine to automatically determine if a work item qualifies for an automatic contractor match. The matching engine prioritizes qualified contractors based on their pricing and automatically generates a match report listing them. Finally, a messaging engine notifies selected contractors and transmits the match report to the initial communication device.
2. The communication system of claim 1 , wherein the estimating system comprises a database interface that enables the estimate attribute builder to populate an estimate attributes database with the estimate attributes for the description of materials and services required to complete the work item.
This invention relates to a communication system for estimating and managing work items, particularly in construction or project management. The system addresses the challenge of accurately estimating costs and resources for materials and services required to complete a work item by leveraging a structured database of estimate attributes. The system includes an estimating subsystem that generates detailed estimates for work items by analyzing the materials and services needed. A key component is an estimate attribute builder, which organizes and categorizes these materials and services into a standardized format. The system further includes a database interface that allows the estimate attribute builder to populate an estimate attributes database with these structured attributes. This database serves as a centralized repository, enabling efficient retrieval and reuse of estimate data for future work items. By maintaining a structured database of estimate attributes, the system improves accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in cost estimation. It reduces manual effort by automating the population of the database and ensures that historical data is readily accessible for reference. The system is particularly useful in industries where precise cost estimation is critical, such as construction, engineering, and project management.
3. The communication system of claim 2 , wherein the matching system comprises a database interface that enables the matching system to retrieve the estimate attributes for the description of materials and services required to complete the work item from the estimate attributes database.
This invention relates to a communication system for managing work items, particularly in construction or service industries where accurate estimation of materials and services is critical. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently matching work items with the necessary resources by providing a structured approach to retrieving and utilizing estimate attributes. The communication system includes a matching system that interfaces with an estimate attributes database. This database stores detailed information about the materials and services required to complete various work items. The matching system retrieves these estimate attributes through a database interface, ensuring that the system can access up-to-date and relevant data. By integrating this interface, the system can dynamically pull the required attributes for any given work item, enabling precise matching between work items and available resources. The matching system processes the retrieved estimate attributes to determine the optimal allocation of materials and services. This ensures that work items are completed efficiently, with minimal waste or delays. The database interface facilitates seamless communication between the matching system and the estimate attributes database, allowing for real-time updates and accurate data retrieval. This approach enhances the overall efficiency of work item management by providing a reliable and scalable solution for resource allocation.
4. The communication system of claim 1 , wherein the matching system receives the estimate attributes for the description of materials and services required to complete the work item as an integrated data feed and wherein the matching system extracts estimate information from the integrated data feed.
This invention relates to a communication system for matching work items with suitable service providers based on estimated attributes of materials and services required to complete the work. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently connecting work requests with providers who can fulfill the necessary requirements, particularly when detailed cost and resource estimates are involved. The system includes a matching system that processes an integrated data feed containing estimate attributes for materials and services needed to complete a work item. These attributes may include cost, quantity, or other relevant specifications. The matching system extracts this estimate information from the integrated data feed, allowing it to analyze and compare the requirements against the capabilities of available service providers. This extraction process ensures that the matching system can accurately assess whether a provider has the necessary resources and expertise to fulfill the work item. By integrating and extracting estimate data in this manner, the system improves the accuracy and efficiency of matching work items with suitable providers, reducing the time and effort required to find a compatible match. This approach is particularly useful in industries where precise cost and resource estimates are critical, such as construction, manufacturing, or professional services. The system may also include additional features, such as real-time updates to the integrated data feed, to ensure that the matching process remains current and reliable.
5. The communication system of claim 1 , wherein the matching system comprises a database interface that enables the matching system to provide data to and receive data from a contractor attributes database.
This invention relates to a communication system designed to facilitate interactions between contractors and clients, particularly in industries where contractor attributes such as skills, availability, and qualifications are critical for matching. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently connecting contractors with suitable opportunities by leveraging a centralized database interface that integrates with a contractor attributes database. This interface allows the matching system to dynamically access and update contractor profiles, ensuring real-time data synchronization. The system processes this data to identify optimal contractor-client pairings based on predefined criteria, such as skill sets, project requirements, and geographic proximity. By maintaining a direct link to the contractor attributes database, the system ensures that all matching decisions are based on the most current and accurate information available. This approach enhances efficiency, reduces manual coordination, and improves the accuracy of contractor selection for clients. The invention is particularly useful in industries like construction, freelance services, and temporary staffing, where rapid and precise contractor-client matching is essential for operational success.
6. The communication system of claim 5 , wherein the contractor attributes database comprises a plurality of data sets that include contractor pricing on an averaged basis and wherein each of the plurality of the data sets are associated with a particular work item.
This invention relates to a communication system for managing contractor attributes, particularly in construction or project management environments. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently tracking and utilizing contractor pricing data to optimize project planning and cost estimation. The system includes a contractor attributes database that stores multiple data sets, each containing averaged pricing information for specific work items. Each data set is linked to a particular work item, allowing for precise cost analysis and comparison across different contractors. The system enables users to access standardized pricing data, facilitating better decision-making in contractor selection and project budgeting. By organizing pricing information by work items, the system ensures that cost estimates are accurate and tailored to the specific tasks involved in a project. This approach improves transparency and efficiency in contractor negotiations and project cost management. The system may also integrate with other project management tools to provide comprehensive cost tracking and analysis.
7. The communication system of claim 6 , wherein each work item of the plurality of work items for which a contractor provides pricing on an averaged basis is delineated within the contractor attributes database based on a primary material used for the work item and wherein the prioritization of the one or more contractors is based, at least in part, on a number of times that a contractor updates their pricing.
This invention relates to a communication system for managing contractor pricing and selection in construction or service-based projects. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently matching contractors with work items while ensuring competitive and up-to-date pricing. The system includes a contractor attributes database that stores information about contractors, including their pricing models. For work items where contractors provide pricing on an averaged basis, the system categorizes these items based on the primary material used. This categorization helps in accurately comparing pricing across different contractors. The system also prioritizes contractors based on how frequently they update their pricing, favoring those who provide more recent and potentially more competitive rates. This prioritization mechanism ensures that the system recommends contractors who are actively engaged and likely to offer current pricing. The overall system improves project planning by providing reliable, material-specific pricing data and promoting transparency in contractor selection.
8. The communication system of claim 7 , wherein the primary material corresponds to a roofing material.
A communication system is designed to integrate with building structures, particularly focusing on roofing materials, to facilitate wireless communication. The system addresses the challenge of deploying communication infrastructure in urban or densely built environments where traditional antenna placement may be limited or aesthetically undesirable. By embedding or attaching communication components directly to roofing materials, the system leverages existing building surfaces to enhance signal coverage and reduce visual impact. The primary material, such as roofing tiles, shingles, or membranes, serves as a mounting or housing platform for antennas, transceivers, or other wireless communication devices. This integration allows for seamless incorporation into new or existing roofing systems without requiring additional structural modifications. The system may also include power distribution and signal routing components to ensure efficient operation. By utilizing roofing materials as part of the communication infrastructure, the system improves signal propagation while maintaining the structural and aesthetic integrity of the building. This approach is particularly useful for 5G networks, IoT applications, and smart city deployments where widespread, unobtrusive coverage is essential.
9. The communication system of claim 1 , wherein the messaging engine provides a matching report as an attachment to an electronic message via a communication network.
A communication system is designed to facilitate the exchange of information between users, particularly in environments where matching or pairing of users based on predefined criteria is required. The system includes a messaging engine that processes and transmits messages between users over a communication network. A key feature of this system is the ability to generate a matching report, which summarizes the compatibility or relevance of users based on their profiles, preferences, or other criteria. This report is then attached to an electronic message and delivered to the intended recipient via the communication network. The system may also include user interfaces for inputting data, a database for storing user profiles, and algorithms for determining matches. The matching report provides users with detailed insights into potential connections, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of communication within the system. This feature is particularly useful in applications such as dating platforms, professional networking, or collaborative work environments where finding compatible partners or team members is essential. The system ensures that users receive relevant information in a structured format, improving decision-making and interaction outcomes.
10. A matching system that enables an automated matching between a work item of a plurality of work items based on estimate attributes and one or more contractors based on contractor attributes, the matching system comprising: a contractor interface, the contractor interface providing a plurality of contractor communication devices with information related to a description of materials and services required to complete the work item and further receiving, from the plurality of communication devices, a plurality of contractor's pricings for the plurality of work items on an averaged basis, wherein each of the contractor's pricings for the plurality of work items is updateable at any time by each of the plurality of communication devices, wherein each of the plurality of contractor's pricing for the plurality of work items comprises an estimated cost of material and an estimated cost of labor; an attribute translation engine that translates attributes provided by a communication device associated with an estimator for the work items to an averaged price that is capable of being compared with the plurality of contractor's pricing for the work items; a matching engine that compares the translated estimate attributes with the plurality of contractor's pricing for the work items to determine one or more qualifying contractors of the plurality of contractors is qualified to perform the work item by determining the one or more contractors meet a performance requirement and a price requirement based on the received plurality of contractor's pricings, wherein the plurality of contractor's pricings were received prior to the creation of the attributes associated with the description of materials and services required to complete the work item, wherein the attribute translation engine enables the matching engine to analyze the work item and determine that the work item qualifies for an automatic contractor match, and wherein the matching engine is configured to prioritize the one or more contractors for the work item based on each contractor's pricing received via the contractor interface; wherein the matching system automatically generates a match report including a list of the one or more contractors based on the prioritization; and a messaging engine that notifies at least one of the one or more contractors about the determination that the one or more contractors qualifies to perform the work item and automatically transmits the prioritization of each qualifying contractor to the communication device associated with an estimator in response to the provided estimate attributes.
The system automates the matching of work items with contractors based on pricing and performance attributes. In construction or service industries, matching work items with suitable contractors is time-consuming and inefficient, often relying on manual processes. This system addresses the problem by enabling automated matching between work items and contractors using pre-submitted pricing data. The system includes a contractor interface that provides contractors with work item descriptions and collects their pricing estimates, which include material and labor costs. Contractors can update their pricing at any time. An attribute translation engine converts estimator-provided work item attributes into an averaged price for comparison with contractor pricing. A matching engine compares these values to identify contractors who meet performance and price requirements, prioritizing them based on pricing. The system generates a match report and notifies qualifying contractors while sending the prioritized list to the estimator. The matching process is automated, ensuring efficient and data-driven contractor selection.
11. The matching system of claim 10 , further comprising a database interface that enables the matching system to retrieve the estimate attributes for the work item from an estimate attributes database.
The system is designed for matching work items with suitable resources, such as workers or tools, based on estimated attributes. The system includes a matching engine that analyzes the attributes of a work item, such as complexity, time requirements, or skill needs, and compares them against the capabilities of available resources. The matching engine then identifies the best-fit resource for the work item, optimizing efficiency and accuracy in task allocation. Additionally, the system includes a database interface that allows the matching engine to retrieve the estimated attributes for a work item from an external estimate attributes database. This ensures that the system has access to up-to-date and detailed information about the work item's requirements, enabling more precise matching. The system may also include a user interface for inputting or modifying work item attributes and resource capabilities, as well as a reporting module to track matching results and performance metrics. The overall goal is to streamline the assignment process, reduce manual effort, and improve resource utilization in work management systems.
12. The matching system of claim 11 , wherein the database interface further enables the matching system to provide contractor attribute data to and receive contractor attribute data from a contractor attributes database.
A system for matching contractors with projects based on their attributes and project requirements. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently connecting contractors with suitable projects by leveraging a centralized database of contractor attributes. The system includes a database interface that allows the matching system to exchange contractor attribute data with a contractor attributes database. This interface enables the system to retrieve relevant contractor information, such as skills, certifications, experience, and availability, and update the database with new or modified contractor data. The matching system uses this data to identify contractors who meet the specific requirements of a project, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the matching process. The system may also include a project requirements database to store project-specific criteria, and a matching engine that compares contractor attributes with project requirements to generate potential matches. The interface ensures seamless data flow between the matching system and the contractor attributes database, supporting real-time updates and dynamic matching. This approach enhances the precision of contractor selection, reduces manual effort, and optimizes resource allocation in project management.
13. The matching system of claim 12 , wherein the contractor attributes database comprises a plurality of data sets that include contractor pricing on an averaged basis and wherein each of the plurality of the data sets are associated with a particular work item.
This system relates to a contractor matching system designed to improve the efficiency of assigning contractors to work items based on pricing data. The system includes a contractor attributes database that stores multiple data sets, each containing averaged pricing information for contractors. Each data set is linked to a specific work item, allowing the system to compare contractor pricing against the requirements of different tasks. The system also includes a work item database that stores details about various work items, such as their specifications and requirements. A matching engine processes this data to identify the most suitable contractors for each work item by analyzing the pricing data in the contractor attributes database. The system may also include a user interface that allows users to input work item details and view recommended contractors. The matching engine may further prioritize contractors based on additional factors, such as availability or historical performance, to enhance the accuracy of the recommendations. This approach ensures that contractors are matched to work items in a cost-effective and efficient manner, reducing manual effort and improving decision-making.
14. The matching system of claim 13 , wherein each of the work items for which a contractor provides pricing on an averaged basis are delineated within the contractor attributes database based on a primary material used for the work item.
This invention relates to a matching system for connecting contractors with clients based on work item pricing. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently matching contractors with clients by categorizing work items according to primary materials used, enabling more accurate pricing and selection. The system includes a contractor attributes database that stores information about contractors, including their pricing models. For work items priced on an averaged basis, the system delineates these items within the database based on the primary material used. This categorization allows the system to better match contractors with clients by ensuring that pricing reflects the specific material requirements of the work. The system also includes a client interface for submitting work requests and a matching engine that processes these requests by comparing them against contractor attributes. The matching engine identifies suitable contractors based on the primary material of the work item, ensuring that the contractor's pricing model aligns with the client's needs. The system may also include a pricing module that calculates or adjusts pricing based on the primary material, further refining the matching process. By organizing work items by primary material, the system improves the accuracy of contractor selection and pricing, reducing inefficiencies in the matching process. This approach ensures that clients receive quotes from contractors who specialize in the relevant materials, leading to more precise and competitive pricing.
15. The matching system of claim 14 , wherein the primary material corresponds to a roofing material.
A system for matching materials, particularly roofing materials, to specific environmental or structural conditions. The system includes a database storing material properties and performance data, such as durability, weather resistance, and compatibility with different roofing substrates. A processing unit analyzes input parameters, such as climate conditions, building structure, and user preferences, to identify the most suitable roofing material from the database. The system may also incorporate machine learning algorithms to refine recommendations based on historical performance data and user feedback. Additionally, the system can generate installation guidelines or maintenance schedules tailored to the selected material. The goal is to optimize material selection for longevity, cost-efficiency, and environmental suitability, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs. The system may also compare multiple materials to highlight trade-offs between factors like cost, durability, and sustainability.
16. The matching system of claim 10 , wherein the messaging engine provides a matching report as an attachment to an electronic message via a communication network.
The system relates to a matching system designed to facilitate connections between users based on shared interests, compatibility, or other criteria. The system includes a messaging engine that generates a matching report summarizing the results of the matching process. This report is then provided as an attachment to an electronic message, such as an email or instant message, and transmitted via a communication network to the relevant users. The matching report may include details about the matched users, such as their profiles, compatibility scores, or other relevant information. The system ensures that users receive a structured and detailed summary of their matches, enhancing the user experience by providing clear and accessible information. The communication network enables seamless delivery of the matching report, ensuring users can easily access the information. This approach improves the efficiency of the matching process by providing users with a consolidated report that simplifies decision-making and interaction.
17. A server for use in a communication system, the server comprising: a microprocessor; computer memory including instructions stored thereon that are executable by the microprocessor, the instructions including: a client interface that provides a plurality of contractor communication devices with information related to a description of materials and services required to complete a work item of a plurality of work items and further receives, from the plurality of communication devices, a plurality of contractor's pricings for the plurality of work items on an averaged basis, wherein each of the contractor's pricings for the plurality of work items is updateable at any time by each of the plurality of communication devices, wherein each of the plurality of contractor's pricing for the plurality of work items comprises an estimated cost of material and an estimated cost of labor; an attribute translation engine that translates attributes provided by a communication device associated with an estimator for the description of materials and services required to complete the work item to an averaged price that is capable of being compared with the plurality of contractor's pricing for the work items; a matching engine that compares the translated estimate attributes with the plurality of contractor's pricing for the work items to determine one or more contractors of the plurality of contractors is qualified to perform the work item, wherein the attribute translation engine also enables the matching engine to analyze the work item by determining the one or more contractors meet a performance requirement and a price requirement based on the received plurality of contractor's pricings, wherein the plurality of contractor's pricings were received prior to the creation of the attributes associated with the description of materials and services required to complete the work item, and determine that the work item qualifies for an automatic contractor match, and wherein the matching engine prioritizes the one or more contractors for the work item based on each contractor's pricing received via the client interface; wherein the matching system automatically generates a match report including a list of the one or more contractors based on the prioritization; and a messaging engine that notifies at least one of the one or more contractors about the determination that the one or more contractors qualifies to perform the work item and automatically transmits the prioritization of each qualifying contractor to the communication device associated with the estimator in response to the provided estimate attributes.
This invention relates to a server system for facilitating contractor selection in a communication network. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently matching contractors with work items based on pricing and performance criteria. The server includes a microprocessor and memory storing executable instructions. A client interface allows multiple contractor devices to submit pricing data for various work items, including estimated material and labor costs, which can be updated in real time. An attribute translation engine converts estimator-provided work item details into standardized pricing data for comparison. A matching engine compares this data with pre-submitted contractor pricing to identify qualified contractors, assessing both performance and price requirements. If the work item meets criteria for automatic matching, the system prioritizes contractors based on their pricing and generates a match report. A messaging engine notifies selected contractors and transmits the prioritized list to the estimator's device. The system ensures timely, data-driven contractor selection by leveraging pre-existing pricing information and automated analysis.
18. The server of claim 17 , further comprising a database interface that enables the matching system to retrieve the estimate attributes for the description of materials and services required to complete the work item from an estimate attributes database, wherein the database interface further enables the matching system to provide contractor attribute data to and receive contractor attribute data from a contractor attributes database.
This invention relates to a server-based system for matching work items with contractors, addressing the challenge of efficiently connecting contractors with suitable work opportunities. The system includes a matching system that processes work item data, which describes the materials and services needed to complete a task, and contractor data, which includes qualifications, availability, and other relevant attributes. The matching system analyzes these inputs to identify the best contractor-work item pairings. A key feature is the database interface, which allows the matching system to retrieve estimate attributes—such as material costs, labor requirements, and project scope—from an estimate attributes database. This ensures accurate and up-to-date information for assessing work item requirements. Additionally, the database interface facilitates bidirectional communication with a contractor attributes database, enabling the system to both provide and receive contractor-specific data, such as certifications, past performance, and pricing. This dynamic exchange ensures that contractor profiles are continuously updated and aligned with current work demands. By integrating these databases, the system enhances the precision of contractor-work item matching, reducing inefficiencies in labor allocation and improving project outcomes. The invention streamlines the workflow for both contractors and clients, ensuring that work items are assigned to the most qualified and available contractors based on real-time data.
19. The server of claim 18 , wherein the contractor attributes database comprises a plurality of data sets that include contractor pricing on an averaged basis and wherein each of the plurality of the data sets are associated with a particular work item.
This invention relates to a server system for managing contractor attributes in a construction or service industry context. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently organizing and accessing contractor pricing data to facilitate project planning and cost estimation. The server includes a contractor attributes database that stores multiple datasets, each containing averaged pricing information for specific work items. These datasets are linked to particular work items, allowing users to quickly retrieve pricing data relevant to their projects. The system enables contractors to input their pricing details, which are then processed and stored in the database. The server also provides a user interface for accessing and analyzing the stored data, helping project managers compare contractor pricing and make informed decisions. The averaged pricing approach ensures that the data reflects typical market rates, reducing variability and improving cost predictability. This system streamlines the bidding and procurement process by centralizing contractor pricing information and making it easily accessible to stakeholders. The invention enhances efficiency in project planning by providing reliable, standardized pricing data for various work items.
20. The server of claim 19 , wherein each of the work items for which a contractor provides pricing on an averaged basis are delineated within the contractor attributes database based on a primary material used for the work item and wherein the primary material corresponds to a roofing material.
This invention relates to a server system for managing contractor pricing in construction projects, particularly for roofing work. The system addresses the challenge of accurately estimating costs by allowing contractors to provide pricing on an averaged basis for work items, which are categorized based on the primary material used. In this case, the primary material is a roofing material, meaning the system organizes and retrieves pricing data specifically for roofing-related tasks. The server includes a contractor attributes database that stores these work items, ensuring that pricing is associated with the correct material type. This approach streamlines cost estimation by enabling quick access to standardized pricing for roofing materials, reducing errors and improving efficiency in project planning. The system may also include additional features such as user interfaces for contractors to input pricing data and tools for project managers to generate cost estimates based on the stored information. The focus on roofing materials ensures that pricing reflects the specific characteristics and costs associated with different roofing types, enhancing accuracy in construction cost projections.
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December 8, 2020
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